insistence

American  

[in-sis-tuhns] / ɪnˈsɪs təns /

noun

1. the act or fact of insisting.

2. the quality of being insistent.

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Other Word Forms

• noninsistence noun
• overinsistence noun
• superinsistence noun

Etymology

Origin of insistence

First recorded in 1605–15; insist + -ence

Explanation

Insistence is when someone persists in forcefully asking for or requiring something. A parent's insistence might be the only reason an unmotivated teenager sits down and does his homework. A store manager's insistence on selling things for the lowest prices might be the thing that keeps customers coming back, and your insistence on reading your speech first in class might get you to the front of the line. When you insist on something, you demand it — both words come from the Latin insistere, "persist, dwell upon, or stand upon," from in-, "upon," and sistere, "take a stand."

Example Sentences

“The market reaction to the appointment of Heidi O’Neill reflects shareholder frustration with the board’s seemingly stubborn insistence on staying the course despite the challenges in the business,” Wilson said in the letter.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

The latest assaults raise questions about the junta's ability to tackle the security crisis, despite its insistence that its strategy, foreign partnerships and increased military efforts have stemmed the jihadist threat.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

That reasoning sits uneasily with the court’s modern insistence on historical analogy.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Vice President JD Vance said the central sticking point was Iran’s insistence on maintaining its nuclear program.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

He and I went away to a Christian camp, at Dad's insistence: Youth Truth ’n Spirit, up in the Poconos Mountains.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

Related Words

• emphasis
• persistence
• urging